By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
This is a job for the new Ram Mega Cab. It has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and cathedral ceilings in the family room.
It also gets about 3gpm. Gallons per mile.
Bob
Better still, a 4WD with a low range. That extra low gearing that a low range offers could be real handy when dealing with an especially steep boat ramp.
Bob
Bob
All we know is that he is called the Stig."
________________
If you don't want to know, don't click on the link.
Bob
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/23/identity-of-the-stig-revealed-again-spoiler-a- - - - - lert-maybe/
I don't recall the Dunlops being that noisy when new, but as the miles piled on (30K) and as they wore down, the road noise became unbearable.
The other plus is that these are listed as Ultra-High-Performance All-Season tires, whereas the Dunlops were Ultra-High-Performance Summer tires according to TireRack,com. So bring on the snow!
Here are the TireRack links:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Continental&tireModel=ExtremeCo- ntact+DWS
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Dunlop&tireModel=SP+Sport+01
Bob
link title
Bob
I still think they squeal a bit too easily on dry pavement. They have good grip, but everyone around can hear me take a corner even remotely fast.
- There are actually many more 'educated ethusiasts' than years' past because of easily availability to information and like-minded persons via forums, blogs, etc.
- However, I feel that fewer people are competent mechanics than in decades past. Many people may *know* all the components of a car (due to my first item) but they don't have much practical experience getting their hands dirty.
Therefore, I would say much of the driving population might be dismissed as 'know-nothings' if you were inclined to label them as such.
Or they used to get their hands duty in another era...like me. I haven't pulled a cylinder head to take it to the machine shop for about 60 years. Or designed auto manufacturing machinery for fifty years.
Hands-on today more often means reading a computer code, but someone still needs to replace the part. Many of these parts replacers would be completely lost without the computer analysis. I wonder how many of them can determine the richness of a mixture from examining a spark plug.
In the general population much of this lack of mechanical knowledge is the cars themselves. I've spent $1500 on "modules" for our Yukon XL over the past two years. Pull out the bad one, plug in the new one.
BUT, I just this past week used the internet to solve a problem that my dealer couldn't figure out on 3 seperate visits. Replaced the LCM aka "light control module" myself and voila, problem solved - my right trailer brake light works now. So the net is useful on its own merit too.
Perhaps they are aware of the higher incomes and educational levels of a large number who buy Subarus....and are uncomfortable with that. Also Subaru owners buy functionality and accept sometimes frumpy styling in contrast to style-first buyers of most other makes.
Bob
Is there supposed to be a link to the article?
Bob
I know, I was just poking fun at the (in my view) American habit of total overkill for a given job.
Operating costs are high even for the diesels. Those are big rigs!
Isn't that good in a way, though? The tire communicates to you, and gives way progressively, rather than suddenly.
(note heavy sarcasm!) :P
Computer codes are helpful, no doubt, but some detailed diagnosis is still necessary for a lot of things in cars that aren't related to the engine. Replacing parts is still very similar to the old days, except there's a lot more plastic above and under the engine, and a lot less room in the engine bay. (It's sad to me how many cars need to have engine mounts unbolted and the engine partially hoisted just to change spark plugs and timing belt.)
About the spark plug-- they don't tell you much at all today! They all look really lean compared to the carbureted era. They're all pale tan, which probably would've prompted a re-jetting and/or colder heat range years ago.
Remember I said I hadn't gotten my hands dirty for many years.
Unless you're running on logging roads or at constructions ites all day, a diesel HD pickup should never break on you.
kcram - Pickups/Wagons Host
At that age it could have leaky valve guides that make it an inadvertent semi-diesel, complicating the issue.
I was also thinking the age of the timing chain (possible stretching?) could also be of issue.
It runs quite well, especially once it is fully warmed, but it does blow a little black smoke as it is warming up and, after it is fully warmed, will always diesel a little when it is shut off. I replaced its ball joints last summer and am hoping to avoid any major mechanical work on it until I (finally) get my house done so I can get it into the garage for its (minor) restoration. At about 250 miles a year, that seems pretty doable. :P
I'll definitely share photos of my current truck project in a few more weeks when I have it wrapped up. Hahha; this one should give you all a hearty laugh, even if you are left wondering why I would undertake this lunacy at all!
This truck also sat for ~23 years without being started; I purchased it in 1997, and the wife of the original owner said she remembers her husband starting it once "a year or two after he stopped registering it" right before he prepped it for its long rest. The tags on it expired in 1973....
I really like the Conti's, and like Colin mentioned, I have them on my SVX. Very comfortable and reasonably good handling.
My other recommendation would be Bridgestone RE960as Pole Positions. Ultra high performance all seasons (if that's possible). But handling in dry and snow on my STI was good, and a lot quiter than my summer tires.
I think you made a good choice though, Bob.
tom
I think it would be challenging towing a big boat with a small SUV. You either need a smaller boat or larger SUV!!!!
I have had some bad experiences with VWs, so be wary of maintenance costs in the future. But certainly nice SUVs.
Maybe a used Acura MDX? They can probably tow about 5k. If you can get used to the look, a very nice SUV IF you don't need a truck based SUV. A Honda Pilot would be the same.
For a truck based small SUV- a Pathfinder? Or 4Runner?
I guess it all depends on what you decide on.
Good luck!
tom
I have noticed, however, a very slight shimmy at 70+ mph through the steering wheel. May need to get them re-balanced.
Bob
I know that to tow with an Ody, any amount, you need to buy 2 oil coolers - for the power steering and for the transmission, IIRC. That's why the tow package is pricey - it includes those items.
That alone makes me tend to shy away from Honda for towing 5000+.
Good eye! What did you spot that wasn't spec?
I'm one of those guys who actually works on his Subi, so I object to the author's comment!
http://www.subaru.com/engineering/electronics-audio/bluetooth.html
Bad news for iPhone owners, in that it won't import contacts.
Bob
I bet they work, but just haven't been certified to work.
SoA can hire me if they want someone to test current phones. Just provide a loaner car and I'll do it for free.
Bob
Hi Bob,
How are you?
Hope your families are well.
Charlie
You feel like coming down to the DC Auto Show in Dec/Jan? If not maybe I'll make it up to NY next year.
Bob
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFtgQmUIjBs&feature=player_embedded
Bob